Choosing an engagement ring is more than simply finding something that sparkles. It needs to reflect the journey of two people, their lifestyles, and financial realities. As such, three stone lab grown diamond rings have gained popularity amongst couples.
A 3 stone ring is the ultimate symbol of a couple’s past, present, and future, with the larger centre stone flanked on either side by smaller diamonds. This is a tried-and-tested style, but the fact that lab-grown diamonds are being used gives this particular ring a distinctly modern feel.
Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical properties as their mined counterparts, but offer much greater flexibility when it comes to dividing up one’s budget. But what are the key considerations when buying a three stone engagement ring, and how can you ensure that the resulting jewellery piece looks elegant rather than garish?
Why Buy Three Stone Lab Grown Diamond Rings?
The most obvious draw of this style of ring is the wow factor. There is simply more going on in terms of design than a standard solitaire ring.
Beyond just the aesthetics, having these two smaller stones either side of the larger one highlights its beauty. If proportioned correctly, this will create a ‘focal point’ around the centre diamond, drawing the eye in and making it appear even more prominent.
Another consideration is the choice of shapes. With the right settings, it is possible to create a piece of jewellery that looks like something out of a fairy tale, or a sleek and stylish modern object – or even combine the two.
One really should take advantage of the flexibility and try different combinations, such as the following:
• Oval centre stone and pear side stones
• Emerald centre stone and tapered baguettes
• Round centre stone and smaller round side diamonds
• Cushion centre stone and pear or half-moon side stones
It’s important to remember that man made diamonds are real diamonds – just created in a different way to mined diamonds. Don’t confuse them with cubic zirconia and other simulants which are completely different materials altogether. When shopping around, one must look at the traditional 4 Cs – cut, colour, clarity, and carat – just as one would with mined diamonds. A certificate from a leading gemological laboratory will give one even more information about a particular stone.
Selecting the Best Three Stone Lab Grown Diamond Rings
The size and shape of the stones must be chosen very carefully, as it makes a huge difference to the look and feel of the ring.
In general, a larger central stone with smaller ones either side tends to have the most appeal, as it creates a focal point that becomes the eye of the ring. If all three are the same size, it becomes more like a ‘row’ of diamonds, which might not be what the buyer intends.
It is worth considering how best to match up the shapes. Choosing stones with different shapes creates an interesting look, but there are subtle differences between the cuts that one should be aware of. Emerald and baguette cuts lend themselves really well to this style of ring because of their architectural sharpness, and oval, pear, cushion, or round cuts will give the ring a more organic feel. The height of the setting is also an important consideration, as a lower setting will make a ring more functional and everyday-friendly, while a higher setting allows for more play of light over the surface of the diamonds. It is also worth bearing in mind that different metals will lend different personalities to the ring itself.
What Metal Goes Best with a Three-Stone Ring?
The difference between yellow and white gold is drastic enough that one really should consider what look they are trying to achieve before making a decision. Rose gold has a certain romantic feel to it, while platinum or white gold will create something much more understated and minimalist. Ultimately, there is no ‘best’ choice – it comes down to individual preference, skin tone, existing pieces of jewellery, and even the wedding bands which the engagement ring must complement.
FAQs About Three-Stone Lab-Grown Diamond Rings
What do three diamonds in an engagement ring mean?
They generally symbolise the journey of the couple through life – past, present, and future – but it is ultimately up to the buyer to decide what the individual stones mean to them.
Do three-stone rings look bigger?
They can do, as the total surface area taken up by the stones is greater than many other styles of engagement ring.
Can I mix diamond shapes?
One certainly can and should experiment with different combinations in order to find something unique and personal.
Are lab-grown diamonds suitable for engagement rings?
Engagement rings made from lab-grown diamonds are not only beautiful, but practical as well. The higher level of durability means that the ring will be able to withstand the test of time.